HERMAN LA VANIEL HARRIS
October 2, 1952 ~ January 19, 2020
Herman LaVaniel Harris was born October 2, 1952 to Garland V. Harris and Lillie Ball Harris of Kingsbury, Texas. Herman was exposed to a rich and vast heritage from birth. He joined Sweet Canaan Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. P. V. Richardson and was a life long member there.. He loved Sunday School, served as a teacher for many years and attended faithfully, embracing scriptures of faith and discipleship from his mentor, Uncle Frank Roberts.
Herman attended Rosenwald Elementary school and graduated from Luling High School in 1971. After graduation he spent several years in military service at Lackland Air Force Base. He attended Blinn College, Texas A&M, and graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Criminal Justice.
From a very early age, he enjoyed a passion for the oil & gas business and was arguably the best Texas Land Man in the business. Well known in every courthouse and nearby cafés across the state, Herman never met a stranger. His bigger than life personality, most inviting smile and tremendous charisma made him so special. He made such an enormous impact in so many lives. He spent the past several years semi-retired working on the family ranch and serving on the boards of the Texas Farm Bureau and Guadalupe County Appraisal District, all which he enjoyed so much. His greatest joy, however, came from his role as “Paw Paw.”
Herman is preceded in death by his parents, Garland “Bub” and Lillie Ball Harris, his eldest brother, “Buddy” Garland V. Harris II, daughter Alonia Sattiewhite and grandson Khyre Smith.
Herman is survived by his loving wife, Marlene Harris, and children: Micah Harris and his wife Lauren, Matthew Harris and Maresah Harris as well as Derrick Asberry, Allan Sattiewhite, and Tiffany Smith; one sister, Renee Harris Watson. Herman leaves many grandchildren who cherished him and an entire community that was touched by his continuous involvement.
Services
Interment following service: January 25, 2020 12:00 am - August 26, 2025 2:33 pm
KINGSBURY CEMETERYView current weather.
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May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead. A beautiful person cousin was. Always had a beautiful smile when you saw him. Embraced family values and ties. You will be missed cousin from seeing you at the Ball Family Reunions.
Love you,
The Alma Ball Nathaniel FamilyÂ
We are so sorry for the families loss of Herman. Every time he would see you in town he made sure to come over and speak. He’s in a better place and we’re praying for healing for the family.Â
He wouldn’t call me by my name Delane. I begged him to not call me Mrs. Mayfield. He told me his Dad would kick his ass if he didn’t call me Mrs. Mayfield. My Grandparents adored his folks. My Grandma Claudia Govett took me many times to visit with Herman’s precious Mother during the 1960’s.Our families have been intertwined since the mid 1800’s. Herman and I both loved history. The rich wonderful history of Gander Slough Rd and family. Nothing will ever be the same out here. Herman watched out over us every day. Made sure we were safe and helped out anytime Bella our Buffalo strayed to his place or to the road. Anytime I saw on my phone that Herman was calling I was scared the buffalo was back on the road!!! She usually was. I am absolutely sure Herman will watch over us all! He loved this land like we do. He was such a ambassador for Gander Slough rd. It was an honor to have known him all these years. We are better folks because we knew Herman Harris!!!
.May God bless and comfort his family during this difficult time.Herman Harris was my best friend and bro I will miss him very much.Rest in Peace .I love you man.Stan
He was a very kind Soul may he rest now.
To The Family of Cousin Herman Harris. We send ours condolences and prayers. Such an outgoing and well respected gentlemen. He will be greatly missed.
With Love From Derric & Stephanie Bogany & Family ðŸ™ðŸ’–
Herman was my best friend at Southwest Texas State University 1979. Both his family and mine had family history in the area. My grandmother was Gertrude Martindale and I lived on and owned the old Martindale farm along the San Marcos River. Hermans parents owned a farm further down the San Marcos River at Stairtown. Stairtown is an unincorporated community in Caldwell County, Texas. Herman was in Kapa Alpha Psi (Alpha’s and Q’s talk some noise but the ladies like the pretty boys). When Ed Harris was selected as Supervisor of Federal Police at Gary Job Corp Center both Herman and I who had just earned our Criminal Justice degree applied and were selected as Federal Police U.S. Dept. of Labor. The base was sole jurisdiction federal property. On one occasion Herman accidentally shot a hole in his office door, nobody got hurt, so not much was said. For a while I was roommates with Ed Harris and Willie Cook. Willie Cook gave me some of the best advice I was ever given, he said never buy something you can’t put in your car and take with you. Of course, I didn’t listen closely enough to that. Herman had a good heart and was always a joy to be around. He was a true friend, and I am deeply saddened by his passing but I know he is with Jesus.
The first time I met Herman, we were about nine years old and played basketball together at the old school that burned down I remember him saying that I was a crazy as white boy he ever knew. I guess it’s cause Herman was a good judge of character. Over the years we became even closer he would even take me over to his grandma‘s house to eat and she sure could cook every time I went to Luling. I tried to find him and did on occasions. He used to go to Otis, Nelson‘s and night and eat barbecue we didn’t have a lot of money back then my mother worked there and would Always feed us A man never had a better friend and we loved each other through the years. I’m so sorry for your loss Renee. I don’t know if you remember me, but we were classmates. I’ll always remember Herman has one of the best man I ever knew his smile and his loving personality, I miss him always his friend Darrell Bairrington